Dispenser for dispensing liquid by brush, swab or rod application



2,887,708 WAR May 26, 1959 A. H. KANE DISPENSER PoR DIsPRNsING LIQUID RYBRusR, s

0R Ron APPLICATION Filed Aug. v, Issa INVENTOR.

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Ln/v h. KANE S., S ww Q Mz vf .wmf mm, S www mw n n n 1% Nm R. R .W N mwwm, mm, mw. Q uw N\ United States Patent O M' DISPENSER FOR DISPENSIN GLIQUID BY BRUSH, SWAB R ROD APPLICATION Alan H. Kane, Philadelphia, Pa.,assignor to Haelan Laboratories, Inc., Philadelphia, Pa., a corporationof Pennsylvania, now by change of name to Connelly Containers, Inc.

Application August 7l, 1953, Serial No. 372,960

3 Claims. (Cl. 15-136) My invention relates to a dispenser fordispensing by brush, swab or rod application a liquid, such las alacquer or lacquer-remover comprising a solvent.

The use of paints and lacquers, such as finger nail polish and otherliquid cosmetics, comprising a dye and a volatile solvent forcoloring ordecorating purposes is widespread. Usually liquid cosmetics are packagedin containers which have a removable cap thereon, a brush beingconnected to the cap so as to be immersed within the container when thecapvis in its closed position. When a woman desires to use the cosmeticshe removes the cap and applies the cosmetic by means of the brushconnected to the cap. In order to replenish the material on the brushshe must constantly dip the brush into the bottle.

With the means above described, there is present `the danger that thebottle or container will be overturned, spilling the contents thereof.Moreover, the use of a separate container and brush is clumsy anddiflicult to handle.

An object of my invention is to provide a dispenser comprising acombination liquid container and liquid applicator, such as a brush,swab or rod, wherein the container is always Aattached to the liquidapplicator and serves as a handle therefor.

For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in theaccompanying drawings forms thereof which are at present preferred,although it is to be understood that the various instrumentalities ofwhich the invention consists can be variously arranged and organized andthat the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements andorganizations of the instrumentalities as herein shown and described.

Figure 1 is a longitudinal, sectional view through one embodiment of thedispenser of my. invention with the removable cap operatively engaged inclosed position and with the discharge end of theliquid applicatorwithin the retreat-chamber.

Figure 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of another embodiment of thedispenser of my invention with the removable cap operatively engaged inclosed position and with the discharge end of the liquid applicatorWithin the retreat-chamber.

Figure 3 is a longitudinal sectional view, partly in perspective, of theembodiment of the dispenser of my invention shown in Figure 2, with thecap removed, the discharge end of the liquid applicator, comprising abrush, in projected position, and the retreat-head urged backwards byexternal pressure.

The accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters refer tolike parts, constitute a diagrammatic representation of my invention andare incorporated into my application for Letters Patent and made a partthereof.

Referring to Figure l, the .embodiment of the dispenser of my inventionshown therein, comprises a liquidcontainer designated 10, preferablyfabricated of plastic, such as translucent or colored polyethylene ormethyl l, methacrylate.

y 2,887,708 Patented May 26, 1959 ICC The wall of liquid-container 10 isgenerally form-retaining. In a preferred embodiment, the Wall isgenerally form-retaining but pressure-deformable, or comprises a rigidthick plastic wall, whose thickness is reduced somewhat over a limitedarea to provide a pressure-deformable Wall portion and permit theexertion of pressure on the contents of liquid-container 10. However,the Wall 10 may be made of rigid form-retaining material, and othermeans, set forth below, utilized to exert pressure on the liquid in thecontainer or to cause the ilow of liquid through the liquid applicator.

The uppermost portion lof liquid-container 10 is thickened and forms asupporting wall 12 having a cylindrical opening therethrough. Thesurface of the cylindrical opening within supporting wall 12 carriesfemale threads 14 which are operatively engaged with a swab-carryingthreaded pipe or tube 16, removably inserted therein. Pipe 16 ispreferably fabricated of metal, although if desired, it can befabricated of plastic or other solid material. The interior of pipe 16is in unrestricted liquid communication with the interior ofliquid-container 10. Swab 18, comprising a felt pad or pad of kothercloth or fabric, is retained within pipe 16 at the end remote from thatengaged with threads 14 of supporting wall 12.

Swab pad 18 normally impedes the free-flow of liquid fromliquid-container 10, even when the dispenser is inverted, but dischargesliquid from the liquid container 10 at an even rate when the dispenseris inverted and pressure is exerted on the pressure-deformable wall ofliquid container 1d. Swab pad 18 may also Idispense liquid fromliquid-container 10 through capillary action withdrawing liquid frompipe 16 and uniformly discharging it on being applied with' pressure toan external surface while the dispenser is inverted.

The outermost portion of the supporting wall 12 is provided with malethreads 20 adapted to operatively engage with cooperatively threadedfemale threads on head stop or enclosure 22. Head stop 2.2 is formed ofrigid non-deformable plastic, metal or the like and is provided at itsoutermost end with a stop-shoulder 24 comprising a circularinward-directing projection. In place of a circular inward-directingprojection, stopshoulder 24 can comprise a series of inward-directingtabs, lingers, lugs or the like.

Coil spring 26, comprising a helical spring, is positioned about pipe 16and rests against supporting-wall 12. The uppermost reciprocably movableportion of coil spring 26 urges reciprocably mounted 'retreat-head 28 tothe retreat position shown in Figure l,

In retreat position, retreat-head '28 is urged by coil spring 26 to itsoutermost position in which shoulder 30 of retreat-'head 28 ispositioned against stop shoulders 24 of head stop 22. Retreat-head 28 isprovided with an inner retreat chamber 29 having an opening 32 at itsterminus. When the retreat-head 28 is in retreat position, swab 18 iscompletely disposed within retreat chamber 29. Swab 18 can projectthrough opening 32 only when reciprocably mounted retreat-head 28 isurged backwards by the application of greater external pressure upon itthan is exerted by coil spring 26. Retreathead 28 is provided withcollar 34 for permitting its reciprocable movement from retreat positionto a position where at least a portion of swab 18 projects throughopening 32. The backward movement of retreat-head 28 is terminated bythe engagement of the reverse side of collar 34 with stop-shoulders 24on head stop 22.

In order to permit ready assembly of the retreat-head 28 in relation tothe stop-shoulders 24, the retreat-head collar 34 may be formedseparately, as a ring or collar, and press-fitted over the outerdiameter of the retreathead 28 after it has been extended through theaperture in the stop-shoulders 24. Alternatively, if desired, the

outer diameter of the retreat-head 28 may be reduced slightly betweenthe zone of the collar 34 and the outer end 32 thereof, to form a slightshoulder just in back of the collar 34, and the portion immediatelyadjacent to such shoulder screw-threaded, and the inner diameter of thering-like collar 34 similarly screw-threaded and the two thus assembledto each other by screw-threading against the tight shoulder.

If desired, the collar 34 may be omitted entirely and the retraction ofthe retreat-head 28 accomplished by merely putting two fingers around itlike the index finger and the middle finger. For this purpose the outersurface of retreat-head 28 may be slightly knurled or otherwiseroughened.

I may also form a bayonet type interlock between the shoulder 30 and theinner surface of the head-stop 22 (which bayonet means is not shown)whereby the retreathead 28 may be retained in the retracted position bya slight turning thereof in retracted position to cause the bayonetmeans to interlock and to retain it in the retracted position againstthe force of the spring 26.

Threaded removable rigid cap 36 carries female threads whichcooperatively engage with male threads 38 on head stop 22. Whencooperatively engaged, as shown in Figure l, removable cap 36 coversopening 32 of retreathead and eliminates the possibility of leakage ofliquid from the dispenser while it is being transported.

The embodiment shown in Figures 2 and 3 generally resembles that shownin Figure l, except that in place of swab 18, brush 40 is carried bypipe 16. The bristles of brush 40 are coaxial with pipe 16 and extendoutwardly therefrom through aperture 43 in pipe 16. Within the rearmostportion of the bristles of brush 40 is a very smalldiametered andthin-walled tube of metal, plastic or the like designated 41. The outerend of tube 41 is disposed in line, or somewhat in front of pipe 16, soas to form a passageway through the center of the bristles to the pointwhere the pipe 16 terminates. The diameter of tube 41 is small enough inrelation to the viscosity of the liquid so as not to permit analtogether free fiow thereof, but to act as a fluid passageway. Brush 40effects the even transfer of liquid from liquid-container bypressurespreading of the brush bristles when the liquid-container 10 isinverted and/or by pressure on a pressure-deformable portion ofliquid-container 10.

The operation of the dispenser of my invention can be understood byreference to Figures 2 and 3. Figure 2 shows the dispenser of myinvention when in non-use, such as when being transported about. Cap 36is operatively engaged with threads 38 and covers opening 32 ofretreat-head 28. Coil spring 16 urges retreat-head 28 to retreatposition, with shoulders 30 of retreat-head 28 engaged againststop-shoulders 24 of head stop 22. As heretofore noted, in this positionof the retreat head the brush 40 is completely disposed withinretreat-chamber 29.

In retreat position the bristles of brush 40 are protected againstinjury and are in vapor contact with liquid contained inliquid-container 10 which may serve to maintain them in pliable anduseful condition.

Liquid-container 10 can be filled with the liquid to be dispensed, suchas nail polish, by unscrewing removable cap 36 from threads 38 and headstop 22 from threads 20 (head stop 22 carrying retreat-head 28). Afterhead stop 22, retreat-head 28 and coil spring 26 have been removed, pipe16 can be unscrewed from threads 14. The liquid can then be insertedthrough the threaded conduit in supporting wall 12 into liquid-container10. After liquid-container 10 has been filled with liquid, threaded pipe16, coil spring 26, head stop 22 and removable cap 36 are replaced inposition as shown in Figure 2.

In order to transfer liquid from the dispenser of my invention,removable cap 36 is rst removed, and the dispenser inverted so that theliquid applicator end carrying brush 40 is held bottommost. Fingerpressure is then exerted on collar 34 of retreat-head 28 to push it tothe position shown in Fig. 3, with the coil spring 26 being compressedas shown. Pressure is then applied by the palm of the user to thepressure-deformable portion of liquid container 10, and the liquid urgedtherefrom through brush 40.

Other means can be employed for providing pressure on the liquid inliquid-container 10, and urging the liquid through the brush. Thus, inplace of a pressure-deformable wall on liquid-container 10, a pistonextending through a gasket in the rear of liquid-container 10 can beused to pump liquid through brush 40.

On the release of finger pressure from collar 34, coil spring 26 urgesretreat-head 28 to its retreat position shown in Figure 2, wherein thebristles of brush 40 are completely encompassed within retreat-chamber29 of retreat-head 28.

The embodiment shown in Figure l functions in the identical manner asthat shown in Figures 2 and 3 save that in place of the liquidapplicator comprising a brush shown in the embodiment of Figures 2 and3, swab 18 is utilized to spread the liquid on the external surface.

In place of swab 18 a rod, such as a fabric-coated wire, or amulti-pored fiber, can be utilized to transfer liquid from theliquid-container to the external surface.

The dispenser of my invention permits the facile application of liquidsto surfaces, such as a cosmetic liquid like nail polish to integumentarysurfaces, and avoids the danger of spillage and leakage. A controlledrate and even application of the dispensed uid can be secured. Moreover,the dispenser is both sturdy and readily constructed.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting'from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and it istherefore desired that the present embodiments be considered in al1respects as illustrative and not restrictive, reference being had to theappended claims rather than to the foregoing description to indicate thescope of the invention.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

l. A liquid dispenser of relatively small size adapted to be held in thepalm of the user for dispensing a liquid such as a lacquer orlacquer-remover comprising a solvent, said dispenser comprising anelongated liquid container, a pipe having one end secured to one end ofsaid container and having its interior in direct communication with theinterior of said container, an applicator mounted in the other end ofsaid pipe and adapted to receive liquid from said pipe, an enclosureattached to and extending from said one end of said container in spacedrelation with said pipe and extendingfor only a part of the length ofsaid pipe, a retreat head vmounted for reciprocable motion externally ofsaid pipe and internally of said enclosure and comprising an open endedretreat chamber within which said applicator is positioned when theretreat head is in a retreat positionand from which said applicatorextends when the retreat head is reciprocated into said enclosure, andmeans yieldingly urging said retreat `head to retreat position, saidenclosure and said retreat head including cooperating means limiting theextent of motion of said retreat head in response to urging of saidurging means to position said retreat head in said retreat position.

2. A liquid dispenser of relatively small size adapted to be held in thepalm of the user for dispensing a liquid such as a lacquer orlacquer-remover comprising a solvent, said dispenser comprising'anelongated liquid container having at least one generally form-retainingdeformable wall, a pipe having one end secured to one end of saidcontainer `and having its interior -in direct communication with theinterior of said container, an applicator mounted in the other end ofsaid pipe and adapted to receive liquid from said pipe, an enclosureattached to and extending from said one end of said container in spacedrelation withsaid pipe and extending for only a part of the lengthofsaid pipe, a retreat head mounted for reciprocable motion externallyof said pipe and internally of said enclosure and comprising an openended retreat chamber within which said applicator is positioned whenthe retreat head is in a retreat position and from which said applicatorextends when the retreat head is reciprocated into said enclosure andmeans yieldingly urging said retreat head to retreat position, andliquid from said container being transferred to said applicator uponcompression of said deformable container wall for application by saidapplicator when said retreat head is displaced from retreat positionagainst the urging of said urging means.

3. A liquid dispenser of relatively small size adapted to be held in thepalm of the user for dispensing a liquid such as a lacquer orlacquer-remover comprising a solvent, said dispenser comprising anelongated liquid container having at least one generally form-retainingdeformable Wall, a pipe having one end secured to one end of saidcontainer and having its interior in direct communication with theinterior of said container, an applica- 20 part of the length of saidpipe, a retreat head mounted 2 for reciprocable motion externally ofsaid pipe and internally of said enclosure and comprising an open endedretreat chamber within which said applicator is positioned when theretreat head is in a retreat position and from which said applicatorextends when the retreat head is reciprocated into said enclosure andmeans yieldingly urging said retreat head to retreat position, liquidfrom said container being transferred to said applicator uponcompression of said deformable container Wall for application by saidapplicator When said retreat head is displaced from retreat positionagainst the urging of said urging means, and a cap detachably secured tosaid enclosure and covering said retreat head and the open end of theretreat chamber therein.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 147,394Hitchings Feb. 10, 1874 1,226,163 Auld May l5, 1917 1,606,860 Winn NOV.16, 1926 2,659,919 McCabe et al Nov. 24, 1953 2,673,362 Robinson Mar.30, 1954 FOREIGN PATENTS 357,921 France Nov. 29, 1905 604,700 GermanyMay 10, 1933

